| Approach
 It
is known that children learn by watching others, imitating
actions, and cuing into subtle social signals, and though
the same rule applies for children with mental disabilities,
the lack of opportunity makes it troublesome for them to acquire
the desired expertise. Research has indicated that competence
in social skills is a significant indicator of a child's success
in and out of the classroom. Further, social skill intervention
is most successful when the intervention is implemented using
many modes of learning, naturalistic settings, and positive
peer models.
Given this, social skill development intervention
through leisure facilities was undertaken in a planned manner,
where students spanning Delhi are provided platforms to deal
with new social situations and in the process widen their
circle of friends.
Dance Magic
As part of SFCD's Social Club activities, the Parent Support
Network of the Society organizes a program called Dance Magic,
which is actually a Jam session, where we provide an opportunity
for teens and young adults to enjoy the joy of dancing to
popular music, like others of their age group. The program
is sponsored by the rock band Parikrama and consists of taped
contemporary music managed by a DJ.
We conduct this program every month in different parts of
the city. Our schedule is on the first Wednesday of the month
and is usually between 4 - 6 pm to provide an ambience of
"fun after school". The schedule of the zones is
prepared at the beginning of each academic year. All schools
in the zone are intimated of the program and are encouraged
to inform parents to send their youngsters (and attend themselves
as well!). In the past we have had groups where siblings and
grandparents have also joined in the jamming!
Saturday Walks
SFCD conducts Saturday Walks for special children on the
last Saturday of every month as part of the Creative Club
activities of PSN. These walks are always informative and
not just confined to being enjoyable alone. The children go
on walks which are based on specific themes like history,
religion, nature, etc. The walks provide fun to the kids and
also add to their knowledge, which helps in the development
of their individuality.
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